The Devil Wears Prada 2 Struts Past the Original to Rule the Box Office

So, 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' is doing what a lot of sequels dream about but rarely achieve: it’s actually crushing the original at the box office. We're only two weekends in, and the numbers are eye-popping. The sequel didn’t just have a solid launch—it’s running up the scoreboard with serious momentum.

Second Weekend, Still in Front

First up, let’s talk the latest weekend. According to Box Office Mojo, 'Prada 2' held onto the top spot at the domestic box office for its second weekend (May 8 to May 10), raking in $43 million. Now, yes, that’s a 44% drop from the $76.7 million opening. But, honestly, that’s par for the course for major tentpole releases, so don’t let the percentage freak you out.

The movie even widened its reach, bumping theater count up slightly from 4,150 to 4,200 screens. And on that busy Mother’s Day Saturday alone, it made $14.9 million—which is not bad at all for a second weekend.

Kicking the Competition

The Mother’s Day box office had 'Prada 2' up against some heavy hitters, but it managed to fend them off:

• 'Mortal Kombat II': Launched with a $38.7 million opening. Not enough to overtake the fashionistas.
• 'Michael': Pulled in $36.5 million on its third weekend. That one’s about Michael Jackson, in case you blinked and missed the promo blitz.

Analysts chalked up a chunk of 'Prada 2''s strong second weekend to the Mother’s Day crowd, which, come to think of it, makes perfect sense given the film’s fanbase.

Going Global: Sequel Tramples Original

Here’s where things really get wild. After two weekends, 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' sits at $433.2 million worldwide. That breaks down as $144.8 million from the US and $288.4 million from overseas markets—thanks to Disney, who handled international distribution this time.

Just for comparison, the original 'Prada' tapped out at $326.5 million globally after its entire theatrical run back in 2006. Yeah, the sequel basically demolished that number in less than half a month. To spell it out:

• Original total (2006): $326.5 million ($124.7 million US, $201.8 million international)
• Sequel total (so far): $433.2 million ($144.8 million US, $288.4 million international)

If you love box office stats, here’s another eyebrow-raiser: the first movie opened with $27.5 million in the US across all its debut screens in June 2006. The sequel? $76.7 million right out of the gate, on 4,150 screens. That’s more than double the audience showing up on opening weekend.

Same Core Cast, New Magazine Drama

What’s familiar will never hurt you at the movies—especially when your core cast is a murderers' row of talent. Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci all came back for the sequel. The new story hands the spotlight to Miranda Priestly again, only now she’s facing a publishing industry that’s not exactly living its best life (thanks, internet), plus a ton of new advertising competition. The first movie? That was all about Andy Sachs learning the ropes and bracing for abuse as the newbie at a cutthroat fashion mag.

Both movies went for that PG-13, comedy-drama sweet spot—so, still safe for teens, but with enough bite for the adults.

'The Devil Wears Prada 2' surpassed the original film’s total by more than $100 million, and it's only been two weekends. That's not just a win, that's a rout.

Honestly, most sequels don't even get to sniff the kind of numbers this one is pulling in, especially not this fast. Maybe nostalgia sells—or maybe people just like watching Meryl Streep verbally eviscerate the next generation. Either way, the box office doesn't lie.